Popular Levi’s model and singer-songwriter, Nick Kamen whose real name was Ivor Neville Kamen, died on Tuesday night after a protracted illness.

A friend of the late model who craved anonymity broke the news.

The UK Guardian reports that Kamen who was dubbed as the protege of famed singer, Madonna, died at the age of 59.

The model was known for appearing in the 1985 Levi’s advert where he stripped to his boxer shorts in an old-fashioned launderette to wash his jeans while a group of female customers looked on spellbound as Marvin Gaye’s 1968 hit ‘Through The Grapevine’ was heard playing at the background.

In a glowing tribute to the late star, Madonna tweeted that, “It breaks my heart to know you are gone. You were always such a kind sweet human and you suffered too much. Hope you are happier wherever you are.”

“To the man who made the 501® even more iconic, in his 1985 Laundrette commercial. RIP Nick Kamen,” Levi’s tweeted with a throwback to the advert after 35 years. “Dressed in a T-shirt and 501 jeans, model Nick Kamen immediately caught the eye and interest of everyone watching him onsite and onscreen.”

John Taylor, the bassist of Duran Duran, also wrote on Twitter: “So so sad to hear of the passing of Nick Kamen. One of the loveliest and gentlest men I ever met. He was a beloved friend to my daughter and her Mom. We shall all miss him. RIP Nick.”

His friend and fellow singer, Boy George described Kamen as “the most beautiful and sweetest man” in his tribute.
“So so sad to hear of the passing of Nick Kamen. One of the loveliest and gentlest men I ever met. He was a beloved friend to my daughter and her Mom. We shall all miss him. RIP Nick”- Duran Duran’s John Taylor added.